Arnarstapi: sea cliffs, a basalt arch and Iceland's glacier volcano
A tiny fishing village under Snæfellsjökull, with black basalt cliffs, noisy bird colonies and a coastal path to Hellnar. Here is how to reach it, what to see and where to sleep.
Day tours from ReykjavikWhere to stay
- Independent, not the village or a tourism board
- Facts checked against local sources
- Updated October 2026
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
Arnarstapi is one of the best short stops in West Iceland. The village is small, with a harbour, a few places to eat and sleep, and a trail along the cliffs that is worth the trip on its own. Around it you get lava fields, the Snæfellsjökull glacier and some of Iceland’s most photographed coast.
Where to start
Most people do it one of two ways
By rental car, with time to stop at Gatklettur, walk to Hellnar and drive on to Kirkjufell. On a day tour from Reykjavik, where someone else handles the weather and the long drive. Both work. The tour is the easy answer if you are in Iceland for a few days and do not want to drive on the peninsula roads.
Check the weather and the road first. Conditions on the peninsula change fast. See our weather guide and driving safety page before you set off.
Where to sleep
Arnarstapi has a small number of beds and the summer fills up. If they are gone, Hellnar, Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík are close enough to use as a base. See where to stay.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Arnarstapi?
On the south coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, at the foot of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. It is roughly 190 km by road from Reykjavik.
How long do you need in Arnarstapi?
A few hours covers the cliffs, the Gatklettur arch and the walk to Hellnar. Staying a night lets you add the glacier area, Kirkjufell and the quieter evening light.
Is Arnarstapi.com the official site of the village?
No. This is an independent travel guide. We are not the municipality, a tourism office or any business in the village.
Plan your visit
Things to do
Best things to do in Arnarstapi: Gatklettur arch, the cliff walk to Hellnar, the Bárður Snæfellsás statue, bird cliffs, Snæfellsjökull and nearby sights.
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Itinerary
A practical Snæfellsnes itinerary: one-day loop and a relaxed two-day plan with Arnarstapi, Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur, Lóndrangar, Búðir and Kirkjufell, with drive times.
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Hellnar
Hellnar on Snæfellsnes: a tiny fishing village 3 km from Arnarstapi with a sea cave, church, shoreline cafe and the coastal walk. How to visit and where to stay.
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Djúpalónssandur
Djúpalónssandur on Snæfellsnes: black pebble beach, the lifting stones and shipwreck remains. Distance from Arnarstapi, the walk down, safety and tours.
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Lóndrangar
Lóndrangar, two tall basalt pillars on the Snæfellsnes coast: how far from Arnarstapi, viewing paths, the nearby lighthouse and cliffs, birds and safety tips.
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Búðir church
Búðakirkja, the black wooden church at Búðir on Snæfellsnes: how far from Arnarstapi, what to expect, photography tips and etiquette at this small church.
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Getting there
How to get to Arnarstapi from Reykjavik: about 190 km by Route 1, Route 54 and Route 574 in 2.5 to 3 hours, the limited bus options and day tours.
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Hellnar walk
The Arnarstapi to Hellnar coastal walk: about 2.5 km one way, around an hour, along basalt cliffs and a lava field. Route, what to bring, and how to return.
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Gatklettur arch
Gatklettur is the basalt sea arch near Arnarstapi harbour on Snæfellsnes. How to find it, how long it takes, safety at the cliff edge and when to photograph it.
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Snæfellsjökull
Snæfellsjökull is the glacier-capped volcano above Arnarstapi on Snæfellsnes. How to see it, the seasonal mountain road to Ólafsvík, safety, and tours of the lava fields.
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Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss at Grundarfjörður: how far it is from Arnarstapi (about 50 to 60 km), when to go, photo tips and tours that include it.
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Driving & safety
Driving on Snæfellsnes to Arnarstapi: paved Routes 54 and 574, what F-roads are, wind and ice, tips for rental cars and the safety websites to check before every drive.
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Best time to visit
Best time to visit Arnarstapi: late May to early July for long days and birds, September to early April for northern lights, and what winter driving means.
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